Wellbutrin and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• January 20, 2010

For Depression "I am a 28-year-old mother of 2. I was diagnosed as being anxious depressive after battling for 5 years with postpartum & paranoia. I started on citalopram for about 2 years. Then, 8 months ago changed to fluoxetine because I was falling back into depression. I talked to my doctor a week ago about my concerns with my lack of libido. I was also still battling getting up in the AM and starting my day. She has added Wellbutrin along with fluoxetine. I started with 150 mg for 4 days, and today is my second day taking 300 mg. It is working wonderfully! I have not noticed any real side effects and wake up ready to take on the day. Because of my anxiety, I can't take Wellbutrin alone, but it has been the perfect extra kick I needed."

• cow...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 23, 2022

For Depression "Coming off of paroxetine, I have found bupropion to be a godsend. The sexual side effects of paroxetine became too much to handle. I was hoping they would mitigate to some degree, but they did not. Tadalafil solved the ED problem but not the lack of interest or inability to orgasm. I asked my doctor to put me on bupropion, and he started me on 150 mg daily and has now increased it to 300 mg daily. My mood and depression have been replaced with just being happy. No anxiety. No depression. It's the first time I've felt normal in a very long time. Sex? It has returned in spades. The desire, arousal, and ability to orgasm and ejaculate are back full force and then some. The orgasms are incredible! Bupropion has allowed me to treat my depression without sacrificing my sex life."

• nur...
• November 16, 2011

For Depression "Was on Prozac for 15 yrs, if it's not broke, don't fix it kind of thing, wanted to drop the sexual side effects and apathy, so after research, requested bupropion (am a nurse). If you can stick out the first few weeks of side effects (same as others have cited), it is worth it. Can finally respond to my husband and am able to feel sadness and joy and concentrate more clearly. Do be mindful of any fluctuations you may feel with different manufacturer generics your pharmacy may use. It could be a nightmare (it was for me), like plummeting into an abyss in turmoil. Went to a different pharmacy to order the version that works for me!"

• hmm...
• March 30, 2016

For Depression "I started on Wellbutrin about 8 months ago for clinical depression, and while it hasn't been a miracle cure, things could definitely be worse. It really has been a gentler medication in terms of side effects. The only medication I tried before this was Lexapro, and geez, was that rough (sexual side effects, extreme lethargy, brain fog, memory loss, weight gain, etc.). I switched to Wellbutrin as an alternative and experienced mellow side effects while adjusting (lethargy, drowsiness), which only lasted for about 3 weeks. Cons: Significant rebound depression if I miss a dose, insomnia if taken at night (it's a stimulant), occasional bouts of depression (it hasn't been a complete fix). Sometimes I'll get really bad brain fog if I mistime a dose."

• BiP...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 2, 2022

For Depression "I have had great success with Wellbutrin. It has helped me quit smoking twice. I feel it supports an upbeat mood without being overstimulating. I get good energy from Wellbutrin. I also like that there are no sexual side effects, no weight gain, and no noticeable withdrawal syndrome. Highly recommend Wellbutrin (bupropion!)."

• NJM...
• January 31, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was on Paxil 20 mg for 16 years to treat MDD. It was extremely successful at treating the depression. I still had some anxiety, and the side effects of weight gain and loss of interest in sex were apparent. The Paxil pooped out on me. The psych nurse practitioner advised Wellbutrin to get away from the weight gain and sexual side effects. I've been on 75 mg once per day for nearly 8 weeks now, and honestly, I'm still unsure. I've lost 15 lbs, and my interest in sex has increased a little. I've had really bad agitation, especially in the first few weeks, that made me want to scream. It has eased up since then but not completely gone. Just as I think I've turned the corner, I slip back a little. My dose is low, as that is how my psych nurse wants it. She has suggested switching to 200 mg of the SL version to address the anxiety I'm still having, but I fear the agitation returning like it was or worse. I couldn't say to someone - choose Wellbutrin."

• Eda...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 27, 2020

For Depression "I’ve been on Wellbutrin for 20+ years, Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED). I am currently taking 450 mg ER. I was taking Seroquel for insomnia but started showing signs of TD: Tardive Dyskinesia. Pardon the spelling. TD is a known side effect of prolonged use of Seroquel. The Wellbutrin barely works. I take Temazepam now for my insomnia. Prozac had sexual side effects for me."

• Mon...
• April 3, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "So I’ve taken Wellbutrin once before because my antidepressant (Prozac) was giving me sexual dysfunction. So my doctor said that I’ll add on Wellbutrin to see if that gets better. And I never really noticed a difference with that. But this medication gave me tinnitus (ringing in the ear) and a headache that drove me insane. Oh, also it made me more depressed."

• Anonymous
• March 15, 2012

For Depression "I have been taking Wellbutrin for a little over 5 weeks now, and I have never been so sleepy in my life. I know it's supposed to be one of the more stimulating antidepressants, but it has the opposite effect on me, so I'm going to have to discontinue use. My doctor only prescribed it to me to try and counteract a sexual side effect I am having due to Prozac. Anyway, everyone is different, but it didn't work for me. Thank you..."

• dat...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 7, 2022

For Major Depressive Disorder "150 mg x2 Bupropion SR. An excellent but dangerous drug. Side effects: seizures, nausea, appetite loss, hearing damage, increased libido, increased energy, aggression or agitation. A strange medication, you lose cravings for everything but sex. No desire to eat, smoke, drink, or use street drugs. However, at therapeutic levels, it can cause seizures. The medication works great otherwise, I just needed to increase my anti-epileptic drug (AED). Wellbutrin acts very stimulating, so piggybacking a sedating antidepressant or anti-anxiety med is usually a good idea. Personally, I use doxepin and (as needed) Valium. It balances out Wellbutrin nicely. For the first few years, I had constant stomach pains from the medication even when taken before bed. The stomach pains went away immediately with the SR. There are studies showing Wellbutrin causing damage to hearing after decades of use. I noticed the ringing in my ears went away (after 20 years or so), but my hearing was now worse."

• Los...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 24, 2016

For Depression "Started post-breakup. Happy now, don't credit meds, but still take WB and never want to stop (unlike Clonaz. and Desipr.) because of other reasons to take. Lost weight, gained energy, desire to be social. Now only anxiety and IBS; the WB counters some sexual side effects of other meds. NOT a morning person, but 450 SR (12hr) right before sleep (RIGHT before or insomnia) = hop out of bed at alarm. If I take 450 in the morning, easy to resist food. Wish I could have both, but splitting dosage or taking XL (24hr) doesn't work. 167 lbs 6 years ago at start, down to 125. 3 years of 130 lbs but built-up tolerance, so then 150 lbs 2 years ago. Took at night for months, then back to morning, and now 1 year 135 lbs. 450 mg is max. New doctor: split time night and morning. But that would defeat half its purpose."

• roa...
• May 30, 2010

For Depression "Suffer from SAD and PTSD. Tried Zoloft but had sexual side effects and still felt depressed. I have taken Wellbutrin with much success. Occasionally, I have stopped taking it, and the depression returns. No sexual side effects, and I'm back to my usual happy, positive, and energetic self. I've had to increase the dose to 300 mg XL four times daily, still felt the blues and lack of concentration on 150 four times a day. Doing great! No extreme side effects. Ringing in ears stopped, love the decrease in appetite, and am now able to, and desiring to, exercise, so the weight loss is a plus. Occasional nausea, but able to deal with it. I love feeling back to my old self; highly recommend!"

• jen...
• July 31, 2011

For Depression "After 3 years of a dark depression, I hit bottom and started Wellbutrin 300 mg every day. Over the next 2 years, I've lost weight (because I was trying), I quit smoking (because I wanted to), and I discovered a small part of life that was tolerable (a small part). I increased to 400 mg in July because I felt myself slipping back to the dark place, and it's the first time I've noticed side effects: marked insomnia, unfavorable irritability, a little bit of numbness, I crave sweets, and I don't seem to want sex as much. So I'm thinking 300 mg was the therapeutic dose for me and will call my doctor to see what the plan is. On the bright side of the 400 mg, I'm sitting here tonight writing a positive review for the medicine I believe in."

• Anonymous
• October 17, 2010

For Depression "Took Zoloft for many years to combat depression, but that drug caused troublesome sexual side effects. I started with Wellbutrin, and the side effects from the Zoloft were gone completely. Very pleased."

• Ric...
• February 22, 2018

For Depression "Closing on 21 years with Wellbutrin. My depression has always been treatable, but at high dosages. Started with Pamelor after a lifetime of depression, worked up to 100 mg, and it worked well; kicked in in about four weeks. It also lowered my blood pressure about 20 points, which made standing up problematic. I was next switched to Wellbutrin, but not enough as it turned out. The dosage prescribed worked up to 300 mg. This dose left me on edge, and I switched again after 4 months. Then to Zoloft, 150 mg. This worked well also, but the sexual side effects manifested after 5 months and were totally unacceptable. I then switched back to Wellbutrin again to mitigate the Zoloft side effects, but worked up to 450 mg, the maximum non-clinical dosage. But there is a cost. Now I am also being treated for high blood pressure and high cholesterol, both common side effects of Wellbutrin, but worth it for the mood stability."

• Gig...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 2, 2021

"I have tried several antidepressants (Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac) before landing on Wellbutrin. Providing some context because I think that's important, as we all function differently—I (20 F) was diagnosed with OCD during childhood and just recently started treatment for ADHD-like symptoms (thinking undiagnosed ADHD for 20 years caused OCD to develop as a coping skill). General depression and anxiety are natural comorbidities to living with these conditions. I am extremely happy taking Wellbutrin. I take 300 mg XL every morning, and it really helps me get out of bed. At first, I had to be careful with caffeine consumption since it would amplify my anxiety. Once I passed the adjustment period, it has been smooth sailing. I switched over from Effexor, and all of the side effects I experienced on that medication (insanely tired, no libido, generally feeling 'flat') disappeared. Although it does not directly help OCD, the medication helps me manage anxiety related to the disorder."

• Bma...
• February 15, 2016

For Depression "I asked my doctor if we could try something different as I was on Effexor, and the sexual side effects were kind of rough on a newlywed. He prescribed Wellbutrin. Not only did I rapidly taper off Effexor, but the Wellbutrin sent me into a manic state where all I did was clean, yell, and cry. I had panic attacks all the time. Wellbutrin will definitely not help with anxiety."

• jai...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 30, 2024

For Major Depressive Disorder "Wellbutrin improves concentration and clarity of mind. It reduces autism and improves sleep when you don't get enough but is not a sleeping pill. Low sexual side effect but may increase ED. Not sure about it."

• Ste...
• August 10, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "Wellbutrin ruined my life. I went from 220 lbs. down to barely 100. I cannot eat. I am literally rotting away. It enlarged my prostate, and now I feel like I'm carrying around a grapefruit. It also increased my libido to the point of being completely frustrating."

• Mac...
• July 12, 2016

For Depression "Well, after trying Paxil (worked really well but had bad sexual side effects) for a couple of years, then Celexa worked but not as well as Paxil, still sexual side effects. Recently on Prozac, worked for depression, however, sexual side effects made me just not want to even bother. Got a script for Wellbutrin XL 150 mg, brand name as I asked for non-generic, out-of-pocket cost 11.27 with insurance. Will report back and see how I do. Day one tomorrow. I put a rating of 5 just because of the unknown. Will rate when in full swing."

• Anonymous
• April 27, 2010

For Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced "Has always worked for me. Zero sexual side effects."

• Anonymous
• June 5, 2009

"Wellbutrin seemed to make me angry, and I lost my sex drive. After taking it for 3 weeks, I started to itch all over. Needless to say, I don't take it anymore."